Ombudsman: Regulating internet discussions is OK

Tomáš Fránek
18. 2. 2008 6:00
Internet operators respect law when limiting debates
Foto: Ondřej Besperát

Prague - When internet service providers (ISPs) allow only registered participants to take part in their internet discussions, they do not violate the freedom of speech.

On the contrary, the ISPs are entitled to block the whole discussion, if it contains inappropriate or racist entries.

That is the conclusion that Deputy Ombudsman Jitka Seitlová came to after being approached to investigate if the control over  internet discussions was not violating the freedom of speech.

Deputy Ombudsman Seitlová says the internet service providers act in accordance with the law.

"If the provider did not attempt to block possible illegal content, it would be him who would then bear all penalties. It is therefore absolutely understandable that the internet discussion operators try to prevent unlawful content by allowing only logged in members to participate," Deputy Ombudsman said. 

Protection in question

If the participants are logged in, it is then possible to find a racist or vulgar participant based on his IP address.

Seitlová claims that blocking the whole internet discussion board does not violate the freedom of speech if a racist and/or vulgar content is involved.

"It is not about breaking the freedom of speech, it is about the protection of web discussion operators against possible prosecution," says the Deputy Ombudsman.

She adds that even online voting that would agree with illegal content of the discussion could be illegal.

"In that case it could be classified as approving of the crime," Jitka Seitlová said.

Criminal behavior includes slander, scaremongering, race hatred appeals, promoting extremist movements, unfair competition or violation of copyright law.

 

 

 

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